Sault Schools pool to stay closed for 2018-19

Wednesday

Aug 15, 2018 at 9:15 AM

Sault Area High School’s pool will remain closed for at least the 2018-19 school year following a vote by the Sault Schools Board of Education Monday evening.

Following a recommendation from Superintendent Tim Hall, board members agreed the pool’s deteriorated condition cannot be restored to a satisfactory level before the school year begins in a few weeks. The facility, which has already been drained for routine maintenance, has been inspected by officials from U.P. Engineers and Architects who are trying to create a detailed proposal and cost estimate for repairs.

Hall said once that information is available, administrators can develop a long-term plan for the facility. Until then, he added, the administrators want “to close it effective now and work on trying to get it opened for the coming year (2019-20).”

Meanwhile, Hall and SAHS officials have met with representatives of Lake Superior State University to work out logistics allowing the high school’s advanced swimming classes and swim teams to use the university’s pool.

A SAHS graduation requirement regarding a basic swim class will be waived for all currently enrolled students.

LSSU initially planned to close its pool as well, but new President Rodney Hanley announced last month that facility will stay open for the foreseeable future as organizers try to drum up more support for it.

Among the biggest concerns for the SAHS pool was a major valve which had corroded to the point where it could not be easily replaced. Hall said the district recently learned some “concerning” news about the thickness of the pool’s walls, too.

In addition, a boiler which heats the pool (and the SAHS showers, sinks, and kitchen) is among five boilers scheduled to be replaced next year. Administrators are worried that it can no longer handle its full workload.

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